After an evening socialising with Ben & Susie, I thought that I would have been more frail in the morning, but surprisingly O.K.

Proofed boots; collected bread, then set off in moderate sun. We had a spell of crossing roads and motorways, dodging the Sunday joggers and cyclists who were out in force. The ground soon turned into pine woods, running through soft white sand, on broad forestry paths.  These rather characterised the day and my idiot phone is saying that I covered 20k over 5 hours of continuous walking. When the ground is good like this and there are no serious gradients, I am acheiving 4kph.

Stopped by a lake for lunch and the dogs dived in to cool off. Then our peaceful spot was invaded by ducks squabling over bread thrown to them by a little lady. Swans thrashed the water with their wings and some visiting children with their white labrador “Vergule”, (or “comma” in French), I suspect coloured the water as Happy refused to go back in.

Got to Challes about 6.45PM, and everything ferméd, as everything closed for August holidays?

Camped 1k outside the town  by the side of a river. Dogs taking up most of tent as usual!